Saranda: Ionian Sea Day Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water in southern Albania, the Saranda Ionian Sea Day Boat Tour offers a lively and scenic way to soak up the coastline. While this experience may not be a five-star luxury cruise, it hits many of the right notes for travelers seeking a fun, relaxed day with friends or family.

What we like most about this tour is its casual, friendly vibe—the crew’s enthusiasm and the beautiful views make for a memorable outing. Plus, the option to choose between a full-day sightseeing adventure or a magical night under the stars adds flexibility. On the flip side, some might find the experience a bit unpolished or crowded, especially considering the lack of included snacks or food options.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers, party-goers, or families wanting a relaxed day on the water. If you’re after a laid-back, social vibe with plenty of opportunities to swim, sunbathe, or just enjoy the Ionian scenery, you’ll likely enjoy what’s on offer here.

Contents hide

1 Discovering the Experience: What to Expect

2 What Do Travelers Say?

3 The Value and Who It’s For

4 The Sum Up

5 FAQ

Key Points

Flexible options: Choose between a daytime swim-focused trip or a romantic starry-night cruise.
Comfortable Viking-style boat: Relax with good seating and music.
Friendly crew: Staff are approachable and professional.
Includes multiple stops: Four destinations along the coast for swimming or sightseeing.
Party atmosphere: Especially during the evening cruise, with music and a lively vibe.
Value for money: At $42 per person, it’s an affordable way to enjoy the Ionian Sea.

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Discovering the Experience: What to Expect

When considering the Saranda Ionian Sea Day Boat Tour, it’s helpful to visualize what your day might look like. The tour departs at 10:00 AM and runs until 5:00 PM, giving you about seven hours of scenic cruising, swimming, and relaxation. The boat itself is described as Viking-style, meaning it’s likely to have a broad, stable deck with comfortable seating—perfect for lounging, sunbathing, or simply taking in the views.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sarande.

The Itinerary and Destinations

While the tour features four destinations, the specifics of each aren’t detailed in the available information. Still, the emphasis on swimming and sightseeing suggests these stops might include beaches, caves, or scenic bays along Albania’s Ionian coast. Some reviews mention stopping at beaches where sunbeds are available, though you’ll need to pay extra for these.

The experience is designed to cater to a variety of preferences. For those wanting to relax, the gentle cruise with great music and friendly staff offers a laid-back vibe. For the more adventurous, opportunities to swim (possibly with snorkeling gear) are part of the day, giving you a close-up look at the coastline and underwater life.

The Party and Night Tour

One of the most unique aspects is the evening cruise at 22:30, lasting until midnight. This night tour offers a chance to sail under the stars, creating a more magical and intimate atmosphere. Expect a lively boat party with music, where the focus is on fun and socializing rather than sightseeing. It’s perfect for groups of friends or couples looking to add a special touch to their Saranda experience.

Included and Not Included

For $42, you get access to the full-day tour, with stops at four destinations, a lively party atmosphere, and the chance to relax on a Viking-style boat with comfortable seats. The crew is described as friendly and professional, ensuring smooth sailing and a positive vibe.

However, food and snacks are not included, which travelers should keep in mind—bringing your own or planning to buy at stops is a good idea. Also, sea cream (likely sunscreen) is not included, so pack yours to stay protected from the sun.

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Practical Details

You’ll want to bring essentials like sunglasses, swimwear, towels, a camera, and sunscreen. The tour is suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers, with language options in Albanian, English, and Italian. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

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What Do Travelers Say?

With a modest 3 out of 5 rating from 2 reviews, opinions are mixed. One traveler praised it as a “great party boat”, highlighting the beach stop as a favorite, though they noted a delay in departure and that sunbeds at the beach required extra payment. They also mentioned the absence of food or snacks, which could be a downside if you’re hungry after a day on the water.

Another point to consider is the crowd and the lively atmosphere—some guests might prefer a quieter, more upscale experience. But if you’re after a fun, social vibe with great views, this tour delivers.

The Value and Who It’s For

At $42 per person, this boat tour offers a cost-effective way to explore the Ionian coast. It combines scenic cruising, swimming, music, and a party atmosphere—all in one affordable package. It’s ideal for young travelers, groups of friends, or families who enjoy a relaxed, social day by the sea.

If you’re looking for a serene, private boat trip with gourmet food or a highly curated experience, this isn’t it. But if your goal is to enjoy Albania’s coast with a lively crew, some swimming stops, and a chance to dance under the sun or stars, you’ll find it worthwhile.

The Sum Up

This Saranda Ionian Sea Day Boat Tour balances affordability, fun, and scenic beauty. Its Viking-style boat and friendly staff create a relaxed environment, perfect for travelers wanting to enjoy the Ionian coast without fuss. The option for both a daytime adventure and a nighttime party adds versatility that appeals to different moods and travel styles.

While it might lack some luxurious touches—like included food or premium amenities—it compensates with a lively atmosphere and stunning views. The stops for swimming and sightseeing are highlights, especially if you enjoy being on the water and exploring Albania’s coastline from a different perspective.

This tour is best suited for those who love social experiences, spontaneous fun, and scenic cruising. It’s a good choice for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a memorable, affordable day that captures the essence of the Ionian Sea.

FAQ

What is the departure time for the tour?
The full-day tour departs at 10:00 AM and returns at 5:00 PM. The night cruise starts at 22:30 and ends at midnight.

How many destinations are included?
The tour includes four stops along the Albanian coast, though specific locations are not detailed. These are typically beaches or scenic spots for swimming and sightseeing.

Is food included in the tour?
No, food and snacks are not included. Travelers should bring their own or plan to buy at stops, as there are no meals provided.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, towels, a camera, and sunscreen to stay comfortable and protected during the cruise.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s described as suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers. The environment is relaxed and friendly.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay later, which offers some flexibility in planning.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for people with high blood pressure. Also, certain items like bikes, feeding animals, or explosive substances are not allowed onboard.

What’s the overall value of this experience?
For $42, it provides a fun, scenic day on the water with swimming, music, and friendly crew—great value if you’re after a social and active day exploring the Ionian coast.

This detailed review hopes to help you decide if a day on the Ionian Sea with Vikingen Boat Tour fits your travel style. Whether you’re after a lively party, a peaceful swim, or just a different way to see Saranda’s coastline, this tour offers a memorable, affordable option with plenty of charm.